Wilshere or won’t he leave the Emirates?
The newspapers are split on the future of Jack Wilshere, with The Sun reporting that the Arsenal midfielder could be lured to West Ham, while the Daily Star insists the England reject is likely to stay loyal to the Gunners.
The final decision remains very much up in the air, with Arsenal refusing to budge over the terms of Wilshere’s new contract, which would see him take a 20% cut to pocket £100,000-a-week.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Sun says that the Hammers “are willing to hand Wilshere a four-year deal on £130,000-a-week”, with new manager Manuel Pellegrini determined to secure Wilshere.
The former Manchester City boss has told the playmaker that he wants “to build a team around him”. Wilshere has also been courted by Wolves, Everton, Newcastle and even Juventus, but the Londoner is adamant that he wants to stay in the English capital.
The Star says Wilshere has been holding productive talks with new Gunners manager Unai Emery, and that the Spaniard “has made it clear he wants him to stay”.
Gunners going for Golovin?
It appears Arsenal may secretly fear losing Wilshere, however, judging by their interest in Aleksandr Golovin.
The Daily Mirror claims that the Gunners are battling Juventus for the hand of the 22-year-old midfielder, who scored one of Russia’s goals in their 5-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia in the World Cup opening match.
According to Spanish media, the Italian champions are willing to pay £13m plus add-ons to prise Golovin from CSKA Moscow. The Mirror says “the Russian outfit are understood to be holding out for another £10m”.
That leaves the door open for Arsenal and if they can’t strike a deal with Wilshere then they are expected to meet CSKA’s asking price.
Arsenal eye N’Zonzi
Another midfielder on Arsenal’s radar is Sevilla’s Steven N’Zonzi. The 29-year-old France international is wanted by the Gunners “to add some steel to their midfield”, says the Daily Express. Reports in Spain claim that Arsenal are preparing a bid.
-
August 23 editorial cartoonsCartoons Saturday's political cartoons include deficit dimness, steamroller-in-chief, and more
-
5 museum-grade cartoons about Trump's Smithsonian purgeCartoons Artists take on institutional rebranding, exhibit interpretation, and more
-
Settling the West Bank: a death knell for a Palestine state?In the Spotlight The reality on the ground is that the annexation of the West Bank is all but a done deal
-
How do new stadiums affect football clubs?In the Spotlight Everton's decision to move its men's team out of Goodison Park could be a catalyst for vital change, but there are cautionary tales too
-
Liverpool's Anfield redemption: how did they do it?Talking Point Arne Slot's blueprint and standout player performances guide the Reds to record 20th league title
-
Where are all the English football managers?Talking Point Eddie Howe's Carabao Cup success underlines absence of homegrown coaching talent in the Premier League
-
New Trafford: can it fix Manchester United's footballing problems?Talking Point Plan for £2 billion stadium despite staff job losses and lack of success on the pitch
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium earlyTalking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden bootfeature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
